Michael T. Horning, 34, of Babylon, N.Y., faces felony charges of fleeing apprehension and selling a counterfeit controlled substance, according to a police affidavit. He was arraigned before Magistrate Judge David Barilla.
Around midnight, Horning, who is on "lifetime probation" in New York and not allowed to leave the state without permission, was seen in the driveway of his grandmother's home, according to the affidavit. Upon seeing police, he fled on foot for a block through a nearby yard before falling down in a wooded area.
On the ground, officers saw a phone and plastic bag containing a white substance that appeared to be cocaine, according to the affidavit. During a cell check, he told police the substance he mixed the substance and included Anbesol, which provides a numbing effect on the tongue, to fool buyers.
"Hey, I have to make money somehow," Horning said, according to police.
Test showed the substance was not heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine or any other controlled substance, according to the affidavit.

9/3/2010
Nanticoke police identify woman in stabbing incident
dallabaugh@citizensvoice.com, 570-821-2115

Nanticoke police have identified the woman arrested Tuesday afternoon following a stabbing during a domestic dispute at an apartment at 267 E. Green St.
Victoria K. Shanks, 21, was taken into custody for allegedly stabbing Jeffrey Boston in his arm with a butcher knife. She faces aggravated assault and simple assault charges.
Boston, 25, told police he and Shanks, his girlfriend, were arguing all day. Police were called to the residence earlier that day when police found no signs of domestic violence. Boston told police soon after, Shanks threatened him, saying she was going to throw a knife at him if he did not leave the apartment.
Boston left, but later began to walk up the stairwell to the apartment when Shanks threw a knife down the stairwell at him and struck him in the left arm, police said.Police said when they arrived, the knife was embedded in Boston's arm and he was bleeding profusely.
Boston went downstairs to a neighbor's apartment to call for help, police said.
An emergency services medic unit from Nanticoke responded. Emergency services personnel removed the knife from Boston's arm and he was transported to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Plains Township.
Shanks told police she didn't stab Boston and claimed she was in a bedroom with her two children, one of whom was sick all day. She claimed she heard Boston yell from the kitchen, "I can't believe you (expletive) stabbed me" and then she heard him run down the steps of the apartment.
Shanks told police Boston is upset that she ended the relationship. She said he continued to threaten her that if she left the home, he was going to "leave their children there by themselves and whatever happens to them, happens," according to the police criminal complaint.
According to police, Shanks said Boston had been pushing her around physically and harassing her all day. She said after police left the apartment, he pushed her around the apartment, bruised her arm and threw a plastic pitcher of iced tea at her that broke. The plastic struck her left hand and the right side of her face in the temple area causing injuries and small cuts, police said. Boston faces simple assault and harassment charges.

8/31/2010
Nanticoke police activity
Citizens' Voice

> Mendel Fernandes, of West Union Street, reported someone entered his unlocked vehicle and stole his wallet.
> Gerald Mech, of South Hanover Street, reported someone entered his garage and rummaged through his vehicle.
> Christine Kozak, of West Noble Street, reported someone entered her vehicle, her son's vehicle and her son's girlfriend's vehicle.
> Richard Henderson Jr., of Graham Street, Hanover Township, was cited for harassment after his stepsister reported he has been harassing her on the Internet and driving past her home.
> Barbara Ouandaogom, of West Main Street, reported her 14-year-old daughter caught someone trying to break in their home through a window and the suspect was scared off when her daughter screamed.
> Martin Lewis of East Main Street reported someone vandalized his son's bicycle by cutting it with a hacksaw

8/29/2010
Police Blotter
Times Leader

Police said Shawn Gallagher, 45, of East Ridge Street, was cited with stalking, criminal mischief and harassment after Richard Simon, of Nanticoke, claimed Gallagher was following him and yelling threats. Simon further alleged Gallagher smashed a window on his vehicle when it was parked on South Market Street on Aug. 16.

8/29/2010
Times Leader - Police Blotter
A man was arraigned Friday on charges he entered a former girlfriend’s residence.
Jamie Todd Lohman, 36, of West South Street, Nanticoke, was charged with stalking, criminal trespass and criminal mischief. He was arraigned in Wilkes-Barre Central Court and jailed at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility for lack of $10,000 bail.
Police charged Lohman after Cecelia Moore claimed she found him inside her residence on Front Street on July 18, according to the criminal complaint.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled on Tuesday before District Judge Donald Whittaker in Nanticoke.

8/29/2010
Nanticoke man arrested in shooting
Michael D. Rentko tells police a teenager was shot during a struggle over a gun.
mhughes@timesleader.com

Police arrested a city man for his alleged involvement in a shooting Friday that has left a juvenile in critical condition. The alleged shooter said the juvenile was his drug dealer.
Police said responded shortly after 3 p.m. Friday to a report of a shooting at 151 Park St., where Michael D. Rentko lives with his mother. Police said they found pools of blood outside the home and in its entryway, as well as on the floor and walls of its living room.
The victim of the shooting arrived at Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre approximately 30 minutes later, but was then transported by ambulance to Geisinger Wyoming Valley because Geisinger South does not have an emergency room.
Police said the victim told emergency workers his name is Shawn Hamilton, 16. Nanticoke police said yesterday they believe he is from the Philadelphia area. The victim underwent surgery Friday night and was listed in critical condition Saturday.
Police said Rentko, 26, returned to his Park Street residence at approximately 10:30 p.m. Friday and told police on scene he wanted to speak with them. He was taken to the Nanticoke Police Station and interviewed.
According to court documents, Rentko told police he knows the victim by the name Chiz and has purchased heroin from him many times. Rentko told police Chiz came to his home Friday and accused Rentko of planning to rob him. Rentko said the juvenile argued with him and eventually pointed a gun at him.
Police said Rentko told them Chiz held the gun with one hand, and walked towards him. Rentko told police he performed a “tactical-type” move, grabbing the hand and wrist with which Chiz was holding the gun, pushing the gun downward. During this motion, the gun went off, Rentko told police, striking Chiz in the leg.
Rentko’s mother and neighbor, Candice Solomon, then ran into the room and aided Chiz by placing towels over his wounded leg, Rentko said. One of the two women then called 911, he said. Rentko said he then helped Chiz outside and into the juvenile’s car, a green Volvo, and drove him to Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre. During the trip, Rentko said he stopped at a convenience store at Chiz’s request, where the boy purchased a coffee.
Rentko left the hospital after police were alerted, police said.
Police said physical evidence at the home differed from the story Rentko told them. Police said they found pellets from a shotgun shell in the living room wall, and other shotgun shells elsewhere in the home. Rentko’s neighbor, Solomon, also reported seeing Rentko holding a “long gun” after the incident. Rentko denied ever holding a firearm during the incident.
The weapon used in the shooting has not yet been recovered, police said.
Rentko was arraigned before District Judge Donald Whitaker, Nanticoke, on Saturday on charges of aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person. He is being held at Luzerne County Correctional Facility for lack of $25,000 bail.

8/28/2010
Victim of shooting gets wrong hospital
Nanticoke police investigate a Friday afternoon incident at a Park Street address.
mhughes@timesleader.com

A male shot in the leg in the city Friday afternoon tried to check himself into the emergency room at a hospital that doesn’t have one.
Nanticoke city police said they responded to a report of a shooting shortly after 3 p.m. Approximately 30 minutes later, a gunshot victim sought treatment at Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre, which does not have an emergency room.
Police said they believe the victim, a male, was shot in the right lower leg inside 151 Park St. shortly after 3 p.m. The victim, presumed to be a juvenile, is believed to be from the Philadelphia area, police said. Police have not released the victim’s name.
Following the shooting, the victim fled the scene in a vehicle, a green Volvo, which Wilkes-Barre police later recovered from Church Street., near Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre, police said. It is not clear whether the victim drove himself to the hospital or was driven there by another person.
The victim sought emergency medical treatment at the Geisinger South, police said, but was taken by ambulance to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Plains Township. Though the South Wilkes-Barre hospital offers some urgent care services, serious trauma can only be handled at Geisinger Wyoming Valley, Geisinger’s website states.
Wilkes-Barre police, acting on a report that the victim may have been armed himself, met the ambulance at the Wilkes-Barre Fire Department Headquarters, 20 E. Ross St., and accompanied emergency responders to the hospital. Wilkes-Barre police said they did not find a weapon on the victim.
The Nanticoke house where the shooting allegedly occurred was blocked by yellow police tape Friday afternoon. Wilkes-Barre police said they have turned over the vehicle recovered on Church Street to Nanticoke police.
The victim’s condition was not available Friday night because he was still in surgery, a nursing supervisor said.

8/24/2010
Nanticoke police investigating teen's beating
Bob Kalinowski - Citizens' Voice

A teenage boy was beaten and robbed Saturday night at the intersection of Kosciuszko and Noble streets in Nanticoke, police said.
The 15-year-old said he was approached by three masked males, who stole a small amount of money and the soda he just purchased at the nearby CVS Pharmacy.
The suspects punched the boy in the ribs and back and knocked him to the ground before fleeing on foot, police said.
Police said the boy was treated at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital for pain to his ribs and back.
The robbery occurred around 9:15 p.m.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call police at (570) 735-2200.

8/23/2010
Police investigate attempted robbery
Times Leader

Police said they are investigating an attempted armed robbery at Uni Mart on East Main Street on Saturday.
Police said a male entered the store and jumped over the counter while holding a large knife at about 4 a.m. The suspect grabbed the clerk and said, "Give me all your money or I will kill you," police said.
The clerk fought with the suspect removing the knife and a bandanna that covered the suspect's face.
The suspect fled the store and was last seen in a dark color SUV, police said.
Police described the suspect as a black male, medium height, thin build and was wearing a light blue long sleeve shirt, blue jeans and white sneakers. Anyone with information about the attempted robbery is asked to contact Nanticoke police at 735-2200.

8/19/2010
Police searching for Kingston man suspected in assault
Citizens' Voice

Nanticoke police are searching for a Kingston man who allegedly broke into his ex-girlfriend's house, hit her and damaged her vehicle, then crashed into a mail carrier's vehicle with a stolen car and fled the scene.
Kenneth Lashall White, 33, also known as Shawn White, faces charges of burglary, criminal trespass, simple assault, criminal mischief and harassment, as well as causing an accident, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license and receiving stolen property.
Nanticoke Detective Capt. William Shultz said a warrant has been issued for White's arrest.
According to arrest papers, Nanticoke police were called to White's ex-girlfriend's West Church Street home shortly before 9 a.m. Aug. 12. Sheenita Brogdon said she was sleeping when White kicked in her door and began hitting her in the face and head. Brogdon said her son removed White and she ran to call 911. She told police White had poured sugar in her car's gas tank and slashed the tires.
Brogdon said White was driving a red car with Pennsylvania license plate HJX-4024. Shortly after 9 a.m., Nanticoke police responded to a crash at Fairchild and West Broad streets. A letter carrier said the red car failed to stop for a stop sign, almost hit an oil truck, then hit the front end of his mail vehicle.
The car, a 2002 Hyundai, been reported stolen in Hanover Township.
Anyone with information on White's whereabouts may call police at 570-735-2200.

8/18/2010
Sex-assault charges forwarded to court
Daniel John Drury Sr. says he didn’t rape child. Now 18, woman testifies he did in ’02.
elewis@timesleader.com

Daniel John Drury Sr. emerged from the tiny courtroom on Tuesday saying charges he raped a child are false.
Drury, 45, proclaimed his innocence after his preliminary hearing when the woman, now 18 years old, testified he raped her just days after her 11th birthday in November 2002.
“After my birthday, he raped me,” she said.
After nearly 45 minutes of testimony, District Judge Donald Whittaker determined prosecutors established a case against Drury, sending charges of rape, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault and corruption of minors to Luzerne County Court.
Drury remains jailed at the county prison for lack of $100,000 bail.
The woman was the only witness called by Assistant District Attorney Jenny Roberts to testify. During questioning by Drury’s attorney, Thomas Cometa, the woman said she did not report the alleged rape to her mother until after telling a boyfriend and a family counselor in 2008.
Drury denied the allegations when he was questioned by police in November and December 2008.
The woman testified she was lying in bed when she heard the front door slam shut and someone rummaging downstairs for several minutes. She said she then heard a person walking up the stairs.
She said she went to her open bedroom door when she encountered Drury in the doorway. She said Drury pushed her onto the bed and raped her.
“He said, ‘Don’t worry, you’ll like it.’ I tried to yell, but he kept his hand over my mouth,” she said. She testified Drury picked up her pajamas and threw them at her.
“He was walking out of my bedroom, he turned around and said, ‘Happy Birthday,’ ” she said.
Cometa asked why she didn’t scream for her mother, who was sleeping in another bedroom, when she heard someone in the house.
“I can’t remember,” she replied. She said she remembered throwing her pajamas in the garbage after the alleged rape.
Drury is scheduled to be formally arraigned in county court on Oct. 29.

8/17/2010
City police reported the following:
Times Leader

• Two boxes were reported stolen from the laundry room at East Side Apartments.
• Stephanie Gleco, of State Street, reported her son’s mountain bicycle was stolen from her residence.
• Alan Wasielewski, of West Union Street, reported prescription medication was stolen from his vehicle.
• Peter Woychio, of West Broad Street, and Anthony Decker, of South Walnut Street, were cited for harassment after both men claimed they had been pushed by the other.
• Sheila Gallagher and her daughter, Nicole Gilroy, of East Kirmar Avenue, were cited for disorderly conduct and harassment after three disturbances at Gilroy’s former boyfriend’s residence. Gallagher and Gilroy allegedly showed up at the former boyfriend’s residence three times, choking and kicking a woman.
• Rachael Smith, of East Broad Street, reported someone stole the registration and insurance cards from her vehicle.
• Robert Belcher III, of West Main Street, was cited for disorderly conduct, Robert Belcher Jr., of Espy Street, was cited for disorderly conduct, harassment and public drunkenness, and Kevin Price, of Barney Street, Larksville, was cited for disorderly conduct and harassment after a disturbance at Uni Mart, East Main Street.
• Richard Opalski, of South Walnut Street, reported someone damaged his garden and ornaments.
• Edward Allison Jr., and Lynn Shockey, of State Street, were cited for public drunkenness when they were allegedly found on State Street.
• Paula Pucci reported someone threw a brick that smashed a window at a building on East Union Street.
• Thomas Kane, of South Walnut Street, reported someone punctured the front tire on his motorcycle.
• Sara Oawloski, of Mack Street, reported someone smashed two windows on her vehicle.
• Lisa Marie Filip, of Apollo Circle, and Thomas Filip, of Metcalf Street, Wilkes-Barre, were cited for public drunkenness after a disturbance at Apollo Circle.
• James Popeck, of East Ridge Street, reported someone threw a brick that smashed a window on his vehicle. A tire on Popeck’s vehicle was flattened.
• David Keene, 46, of East State Street, Larksville, was charged with simple assault and stalking after he allegedly grabbed his estranged wife on South Walnut Street on Aug. 8. He was released without bail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled on Aug. 24 before District Judge Donald Whittaker in Nanticoke.
• Police said Bruce John Kruszka Jr., 32, of Apollo Circle, was charged with simple assault and harassment after he allegedly assaulted his girlfriend in violation of a protection-from-abuse order on Friday. He was jailed at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility for lack of $1,000 bail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled on Aug. 24 before District Judge Donald Whittaker in Nanticoke.

8/16/2010
Man accused of assaulting woman, crashing stolen car
elewis@timesleader.com

A man assaulted a woman during a burglary and crashed into a U.S. Postal Service truck as he sped away in a stolen vehicle on Thursday, according to charges filed.
Police accused Kenneth Lashall White, 33, last known address as Pierce Street, Kingston, of forcing open a locked bedroom door and assaulting a woman inside a residence on West Church Street. White sped away in a 2002 Hyundai that he crashed into a postal truck on Fairchild Street, police allege.
White is facing two counts of criminal mischief, and one count each of burglary, simple assault, harassment, criminal trespass, receiving stolen property, unauthorized use of a vehicle, accidents involving damage to vehicle, driving with a suspended license and three traffic violations.
The charges were filed with District Judge Donald Whittaker in Nanticoke.
According to the criminal complaints:
Sheenita Brogdon told police she was sleeping in a bedroom when her former boyfriend, White, kicked in two locked doors and assaulted her.
Brogdon escaped and called 911 while her son struggled with White, the criminal complaint says.
White then drove away in a small red vehicle, police said.
Police said in the criminal complaint that Brogdon obtained a protection-from-abuse order against White prior to the alleged assault. She later learned that White had slashed a tire and poured sugar in her vehicle’s gasoline tank, according to the criminal complaint.
While police were questioning Brogdon, officers learned about a hit-and-run accident at Fairchild and West Broad streets involving a small red vehicle.
Patrick O’Brien, a letter carrier, told police that the driver of the small red vehicle passed through a stop sign and crashed into his postal truck. O’Brien said the red vehicle nearly collided with an oil tanker truck at the intersection, according to the criminal complaints.
Police learned that the red vehicle was reported stolen to the Hanover Township Police Department on Thursday.

8/7/2010
City police reported the following:
Times Leader

• Jaclin Olshefski, of Burnett Street, reported a bookbag was stolen from her vehicle when it was parked on Ridge Street.
• Fatima Mohammed, of Enterprise Street, reported someone scratched her vehicle.
• Neil Minnich, of Hill Street, reported someone stole coins and compact discs from his vehicle.
• Martha Aregood, of West Grand Street, reported someone vandalized her vehicle.
• Nazarene Natalini, of South Hanover Street, reported someone smashed a window on her vehicle.
• Police cited Michael Engle, of East Broad Street, with public drunkenness after he was found lying on the road at Walnut and Broad streets.
• John Mayeski, of West Main Street, reported someone entered his vehicle and stole compact discs.
• Heather Zegarski, of West Broad Street, was cited with harassment after she threatened her ex-husband’s girlfriend about a picture on Facebook.
• Shawn Gallagher, of East Ridge Street, reported someone shattered the patio glass door at his home.
• Michael Buckley, 18, of East Washington Street, Kathy Moore, 18, of Roberts Street, and Matthew Souder, 25, of East Green Street, were cited with disorderly conduct and public drunkenness after a disturbance at West Washington and South Hanover streets.
• Police arrested John Joseph Everhart, 33, of Honey Pot Street, Nanticoke, on suspicion of drunk driving and simple assault after an altercation with his mother.
Everhart was charged with simple assault, reckless endangerment, unauthorized use of a vehicle, driving under the influence, public drunkenness, drivers required to be license and restriction on alcoholic beverages.
According to the criminal complaint:
Police said Everhart got into an argument with his mother in a vehicle when she refused to purchase a bottle of liquor for him on July 30. Everhart removed the ignition key from the vehicle that coasted to a stop in the area of River and Garfield streets.
Everhart’s mother exited the vehicle and Everhart sped away. He later returned with the vehicle and performed doughnuts in a parking lot, nearly hitting his mother, the criminal complaint says.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled on Aug. 10 before District Judge Donald Whittaker in Nanticoke.

8/6/2010
City police reported the following incidents:
Citizens Voice

Heather Zegarski of West Broad Street was cited with harassment after she called her ex-husband's girlfriend and threatened to punch her over a picture on Facebook.

8/6/2010
Police said a drunken man wrestled control of a car away from his mother July 30 because she wouldn't stop at the liquor store to buy him a bottle of vodka
Citizens Voice

After the woman left the car, John J. Everhart, 33, drove the car at her and began doing "doughnuts" several feet away from her, police said.
Everhart is charged with simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, unauthorized use of an automobile, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving without a license and public drunkenness.
According to arrest papers:
Everhart's mother, Ann, called police to say her son was trying to run her over with her car near River and Garfield streets. She said he became angry when she refused to buy him vodka because all the alcohol he had left was a 12-ounce Busch beer he was drinking. When she refused to stop, he reached over and pulled the keys out of the ignition while the vehicle was still moving. The vehicle lost power and the woman coasted to the side of the road.
When his mother got out of the vehicle, Everhart restarted the car and began doing burnouts. Everhart then drove the vehicle near his mother, doing "doughnuts" in gravel off the roadway.
He soon exited the vehicle to argue with his mother. Police arrived and took him into custody.

8/5/2010
Nanticoke man charged with perjury in drug case
Kelly Monitz - Citizens Voice

A Nanticoke man who police say lied about his identity following his arrest on drug trafficking and manufacturing charges faces perjury and other charges.
Jorge Correa, 31, was arraigned Monday on charges of perjury, delivery of a controlled substance, criminal use of a communication facility, criminal conspiracy, unsworn falsification to authorities and false identification in two separate criminal complaints.
He remains in the Luzerne County Correctional Facility in Wilkes-Barre in lieu of $250,000 bail on the drug charges and an additional $50,000 on the perjury charges.
Correa identified himself as Jose Cuevas when arrested and arraigned on charges of delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility on July 23.
A U.S. marshal contacted Sugarloaf Township police and informed them about Cuevas' correct identity on July 30, court papers said. An additional investigation found that Correa was wanted for multiple drug charges in Massachusetts, court papers said.

7/30/2010
Export scheme brings jail term
Businessman conspired to illegally export military equipment to Russia.
tmorgan@timesleader.com

The owner of a Nanticoke sporting goods store was sentenced Thursday to 32 months in federal prison for conspiring with another person to illegally export military equipment to Russia.
Mark Komoroski, 48, owner of D & R Sporting Goods, was also ordered by U.S. District Judge Edwin Kosik to pay a $10,000 fine.
Komoroski and a co-defendant, Sergey Korznikov of Moscow, were charged in January with conspiring to smuggle equipment, including rifle scopes, firearm magazines, face shields and other military equipment out of the United States to be sold to unknown persons in Russia.
Korznikov was involved with Tactica Ltd., a Moscow-based company that sells rifle optics, binoculars, boots, back packs and other hunting and paramilitary equipment.
A search warrant affidavit filed in 2006 said authorities believed Komoroski had illegally exported hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of military equipment over a several-year period.
The case grew out of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs, which worked in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and several other federal agencies.
“This investigation is another example of how technology, in the wrong hands, could reduce the advantages that our nation’s law enforcement and military personnel currently possess,” said John P. Kelleghan, special agent in charge of the ICE Homeland Security Investigations unit in Philadelphia.
“Working with our law enforcement partners, ICE will continue to aggressively pursue those individuals who have no regard for the safety of those who protect our nation,” he said.

7/29/2010
Child rape suspect nabbed after 2 years on the run
bkalinowski@citizensvoice.com, 570-821-2055

Child rape suspect Daniel J. Drury's time on the run is over.
Police have charged the Nanticoke man with raping an 11-year-old girl at a Pine Street home in October 2002.
Drury was recently captured in Florida, where he fled two years ago after the girl levied the allegations against him, police said.
The 45-year-old is charged with rape, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault and corruption of minors.
According to arrest papers:
The girl came forward in September 2008 and told police Drury raped her in a bedroom around her 11th birthday. She said Drury entered the bedroom while she was trying to sleep, took off her pajamas and held her down on the bed. She said she tried to scream for help, but he covered her mouth with his hand.
Drury raped her and then threw her pajamas at her and said, "Happy birthday," as he left the room, the girl said.
The girl said she had trouble sleeping after the incident and suffered through nightmares for years. She said she was attending counseling at the time she came forward to police, but police officers were the first people she ever told about the alleged assault.
Drury met with Nanticoke police Detective Capt. William Shultz and Officer Robert Lehman several times after the allegations were made. He denied sexually assaulting the girl.
Shortly after police told him he was going to be charged, Drury fled the state, Shultz said Wednesday.
"We did our investigation and felt the victim was credible. He knew he was going to be arrested," Shultz said.
Drury was a wanted man since then, but had no contact with police until a recent traffic stop, police said.
Drury was arraigned Wednesday morning and jailed in the Luzerne County Correctional Facility in lieu of $100,000 cash bail.

7/29/2010
Cops: Nanticoke man sexually assaulted girl
Police allege attack occurred in 2002 on the weekend of her 11th birthday in Nanticoke.
sdelazio@timesleader.com

A Nanticoke man was charged Wednesday after Nanticoke police said he sexually assaulted an 11-year-old girl.
Daniel John Drury, Sr., 45, of Center Street, was arraigned on charges of rape, aggravated indecent assault and indecent assault in Wilkes-Barre Central Court.
According to a criminal complaint filed by Nanticoke police, the girl, in September 2008, told police Drury sexually assaulted her.
The alleged incident occurred between September and October 2002, according to court papers.
The girl said when she was 11 years old, on the weekend of her birthday, Drury sexually assaulted her at a home on Pine Street in Nanticoke. The girl said she never told anyone about the incident.
The girl said that the Friday or Saturday before her birthday, Drury came into her bedroom and held her down on the bed and told her, “Don’t worry, you will like it.”
The girl said Drury sexually assaulted her and she tried to yell, but Drury covered her mouth with his hand.
The girl said Drury took off her pajamas and his pants, and had sexual intercourse with her, and that she began to cry.
Drury then picked up the girl’s pajamas, threw them at the girl and said “Happy birthday,” and left the room.
The girl said she could smell alcohol on Drury’s breath and that after the incident Drury never spoke about what happened.
After the incident, the girl said she would have nightmares and that she couldn’t sleep.
Police interviewed Drury in November 2008, and police said he denied the allegations made by the girl.
In December 2008, police again spoke with Drury, and he again denied the allegations.
Detective Captain William Shultz could not be reached for comment about the time lapse between the initial investigation and Wednesday’s arraignment.
Drury was jailed in the Luzerne County Correctional Facility for lack of $100,000 bail. He was scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 17 before District Judge Donald Whittaker.

7/29/2010
Police said they arrested Michael A. Buckley, 18, of East Washington Street, on drug charges Saturday.
Times Leader

Police said they were taking Buckley into custody on an unrelated charge when they found in his pocket a fake metal lighter with five pills inside. Police allege one pill contained hydrocodone, a controlled substance, and two others contained substances for which a prescription is required.

7/28/2010
Police charge Nanticoke man with raping 11-year-old
Bob Kalinowski - Citizens Voice

Police have charged a Nanticoke man with raping an 11-year-old girl at a Pine Street, Nanticoke, home in October 2002.
Daniel J. Drury Sr., 45, is charged with rape, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault, and corruption of minors.
Drury was arraigned this morning and jailed in the Luzerne County Correctional Facility in lieu of $100,000 cash bail.
He maintains his innocence, claiming an ex-wife forced the girl to make the allegations.
According to arrest papers:
The girl came forward in 2008 and told police Drury raped her in her bedroom around her 11th birthday.
She said Drury snuck into her bedroom while she was trying to sleep around 3 a.m., took off her pajamas and held her down on her bed. She said she tried to scream for help, but he covered her mouth with his hand.
Drury raped her and then threw her pajamas at her and said "Happy Birthday" as he left the room, the girl said.
The girl said she had trouble sleeping after the incident and had nightmares for years. She said she was going to counseling at the time she came forward to police, but police were the first people she ever told about the alleged assault.
Drury met with Nanticoke police Detective Capt. William Shultz and Officer Robert Lehman several times after the allegations were made. He denied sexually assaulting the girl, and blamed the allegations on his ex-wife.

7/28/2010
Nanticoke man charged with distributing child porn
Citizens Voice

Federal authorities on Tuesday charged a Nanticoke man with distributing child pornography on the Internet.
John Dudkiewicz, 35, now faces a mandatory minimum federal prison term of 15 years if convicted.
Authorities accuse Dudkiewicz of receiving and distributing child pornography on his computer in October 2009.
Dudkiewicz could face up to 40 years in federal prison, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.
Records show Dudkiewicz was previously in trouble for child sex charges.
In 1994, he sexually abused an 11-year-old girl who was staying with a foster family in Wilkes-Barre, entering her room as she tried to sleep and ignoring her pleas to stop, records show.
Luzerne County Judge Hugh Mundy sentenced Dudkiewicz to six to 12 months in county prison on charges of indecent assault of a child and corruption of minors.
Dudkiewicz then became a sexual offender who was required to tell police of his address changes as part of the state's Megan's Law. Arrest papers say police could not locate Dudkiewicz until he surfaced as a suspect in the possible sexual assault of a 5-year-old child. While no charges were ever filed in the alleged sexual assault, Dudkiewicz was charged with failing to register his address with state police.
Luzerne County Judge Gifford Cappellini then sentenced Dudkiewicz to three months house arrest.

7/28/2010
City police reported the following incidents:
Citizens Voice

Adam Seman of Center Street reported someone entered his vehicle and stole an Apple iPod, an iPod stereo jack and a carton of cigarettes.
Delores Jennings of Center Street reported someone threw a large rock at her vehicle, striking the trunk and smashing a rear window.
Lynn Ganaposki of Phillips Street reported someone threw a brick at the rear of her vehicle, smashing the window.
Three vehicles, one of Oak Street, one of Jones Street, and one of Center Street, were entered, but nothing was taken.
Rhonda Hidock, of Phillips Street, reported someone smashed the rear window of her son's vehicle.
Tara Koffler of East Broad Street reported someone cracked the windshield of her vehicle.
Susan Harvey of Jones Street reported someone damaged the driver's side upper quarter section and trunk of her vehicle with a large brick.
Kyle Capie reported someone entered his vehicle and stole a camcorder and an 800-watt amplifier.
George Williams of Center Street reported someone entered his vehicle and stole the registration card, insurance card and a bag which contained a small amount of change.
Denise Salzo of East Ridge Street reported someone tried to force entry into her home.
Mark Everhart of Honey Pot Street was arrested after allegedly violating a protection from abuse order.
Joshua Ruminski of West Noble Street was arrested after allegedly violating a protection from abuse order.
Michael Buckley, 18, was charged with trespassing for illegally entering his father's Agostina Drive home and then drug charges for illegally possessing five prescription pills
Police charged Robert Kurtinitis, 40, of West Eighth Street, Dallas, with retail theft and resisting arrest for trying to steal $333.96 worth of razor replacement cartridges from Weis Market.

7/27/2010
Nanticoke man accused of manufacturing heroin at home
Kelly Monitz - Citizens Voice

Sugarloaf Township police seized about $10,000 in heroin and drug-manufacturing paraphernalia from a Nanticoke man's home following his arrest Friday on drug charges, Sgt. Joshua Winters said.
Jose L. Cuevas allegedly sold a brick of heroin - or 50 individual bags - with a street value of $750 to a confidential informant working with officers from Sugarloaf and Hazleton as members of the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. Officers arrested him shortly after the buy.
A search of Cuevas' home turned up scales, a small scoop, a tea strainer, a coffee grinder with raw ground heroin, numerous bags for packaging heroin and an agent used to cut the drug, Winters said. Officers also found 122 grams of heroin concealed in a hair spray can with a false bottom, Winters said.
Fine, powdered heroin dusted all of the paraphernalia, and Winters estimated the amount of heroin in the coffee grinder alone had a street value between $750 and $1,500.
The seized items took up a 2-foot-by-2-foot space on a table and contained everything needed for a drug manufacturing and selling operation, Winters said.

7/25/2010
Dean M. Gavrish, 41, and Angel Ann Halchak, 34, were charged with simple assault and harassment after a disturbance at their Coal Street residence on Sunday.
Times Leader

Halchak claimed Gavrish left her at a tavern in Edwardsville. When she arrived home, she alleged Gavrish punched her in the face, the criminal complaint says.
Gavrish claimed Halchak arrived home from the tavern and punched him in the face.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled on Aug. 10 before District Judge Donald Whittaker in Nanticoke.

7/24/2010
City police reported the following:
Times Leader

• James Lacey, of East Main Street, reported someone stole 12 bar stools from a garage on his property.
• Jean Morris, of Kosciuszko Street, reported a front window was smashed at her residence.
• Lorraine Clishman, of East Ridge Street, reported a 20-foot ladder was stolen from her yard.
• Jennifer Piggot, of Jifkin Street, reported several frog lawn ornaments and a plastic elephant were stolen from her yard.
• Ron Sokoloski, of East Main Street, reported vegetables were stolen from his garden.
• Michael Whalley, of South Walnut Street, reported three solar yard ornaments were stolen from the yard.
• Dennis Bartuska, of East Main Street, reported someone threw a brick that damaged his vehicle.
• Walter Strycznski, of East Spring Street, reported someone stole prescription medication from his vehicle.
• Police said someone threw a brick that smashed a window at D&R Sporting Goods, Fairchild Street.
• Stanley Schmidt, of Nanticoke, reported someone cut the cable and phone lines to his business on East Broad Street.
• Cindy Goss, of West South Street, reported someone threw baking powder on her vehicle.
• Several city residents on Thursday reported someone spray-painted their vehicles with green paint.

7/23/2010
Cops: Man had child porn
Jamell L. Amos of Nanticoke is jailed on $100,000 bail. His hearing is set Aug. 10.
elewis@timesleader.com

Investigators allege they uncovered several movies showing children involved in sex acts that were saved on a computer.

A Nanticoke man admitted to investigators on Thursday that he downloaded child pornography because he was “curious,” according to charges filed.
Jamell L. Amos, 34, was arrested after investigators executed a search warrant at his East Ridge Street apartment Thursday morning. Investigators allege they uncovered several movies showing children involved in sex acts that were saved on a computer.
Amos was arraigned by District Judge Donald Whittaker on three counts each of possession of child pornography and dissemination of child pornography, and a single count of criminal use of communication facility. He was jailed at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility for lack of $100,000 bail.
According to the criminal complaint:
A Lackawanna County detective learned June 4 that images of child pornography were being viewed on an Internet file-sharing program. Investigators traced the images to a computer linked to Amos’ residence, and Nanticoke police and the Luzerne County Detectives Office served a search warrant just before 8:30 a.m.
Investigators told Amos that a computer linked to the residence was being used to download images of children engaged in sex acts. Amos told them he had Limewire, an Internet file sharing program, that he uses to download music, movies and porn. He admitted he used special keyword searches to locate child pornography.
Investigators said a preliminary forensic examination of the computer revealed three movies of children engaged in sex acts.
Amos said he was “curious” when asked why he downloaded child porn.
He said the more illicit videos he watched, “the more he was getting into it.”
Amos asked investigators, “Why the (expletive) are people do(ing) this?” He said he saved child porn images and videos on DVDs he wanted to give to police to investigate.
Amos said he instead smashed the DVDs into pieces, which he recycled.
A computer and other items were seized from Amos’ apartment.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled on Aug. 10 before Whittaker.

7/23/2010
City police reported the following incidents, arrests and citations Thursday
Citizens' Voice

> Mark Cramer, of South Chestnut Street, reported a vandal spray painted the rear driver-side door and window of her car with green paint.
> Jacqueline Koslowski, of East Green Street, reported a vandal spray painted the front door of her house with green paint.
> Irene Hamburger, of East Green Street, reported a vandal spray painted the back window and trunk area of her car with green paint.
> Irene Felch, of East Green Street, reported a vandal spray painted her garage door with green paint.
> James Lacey, of East Main Street, reported 12 bar stools stolen from a garage on his property.
> Jean Morris of Kosciuszko Street, reported a vandal broke the front window of her house.
> Dennis Bartuska, of East Main Street, reported a vandal threw a brick at his vehicle and caused damage.
> Police responded to an alarm at D&R Sporting Goods, 620 Fairchild Street, where a brick was thrown through a glass entrance door, but it was unknown whether merchandise was stolen.

Nanticoke man charged with criminal trespass, stalking

A 36-year-old man was charged with criminal trespass and stalking Sunday after his ex-girlfriend discovered he had broken into her apartment, city police said.
At around 1 a.m., Jamie Todd Lohman of 209 W. South St. broke in for a second time in less than 10 days into Cecilia Moore's apartment, located at 110 Front St., police said.
Moore arrived home to find someone had forcibly entered her home and found Lohman inside as he was exiting her bedroom, according to a police affidavit.
Upon arrival, police found pry marks around the edge of the door, and Moore told them Lohman did not have a key, according to the affidavit.
On July 10, police had visited the apartment after she reported Lohman had entered her apartment.
In that incident, Jamie Todd Lohman told officers Lohman "attempted to come on to her" and tugged on her clothing "in an attempt for her to have sex with him," according to the affidavit.
Lohman was arraigned Sunday before District Judge Donald Whittaker.

7/20/2010
City police reported the following:
Times Leader

• Eileen Kemmerer, of East Broad Street, was cited with retail theft for allegedly taking Neosporin from Weis Market.
• Angela Seiger, of Honey Pot Street, reported someone stole two wicker patio chairs from her residence.
• Donald Sullivan, of West Main Street, reported someone damaged his vehicle while it was parked in his driveway.
• John Legins, of Pine Street, reported a .32-caliber pistol was stolen from his vehicle.
• Ann Jaskulski, of East Church Street, reported 25 lawn ornaments were stolen from her front yard.

7/10/2010
City police reported the following:
Times Leader

• A 16-year-old boy was cited with retail theft for allegedly stealing a cigar from Ruminski’s Market.
• David Rushnock, of East Main Street, reported a satellite radio, money and various papers were stolen from his vehicle.
• Jennifer Sczyrck, of Park Street, reported someone entered her residence and stole three video game systems, video games, a television and a pistol.
• Dean Gavrish, of Coal Street, reported someone slashed two tires on his vehicle.
• Audrey Hummel, of Line Street, reported someone stole her grandson’s 20-inch bicycle.
• A 10-year-old boy reported someone stole his 20-inch bicycle from Weis Markets.
• Thomas Brewer, 23, of East Washington Street, was cited with disorderly conduct and public drunkenness, and a 16-year-old girl was cited with underage drinking and violating curfew after police investigated a man causing a disturbance in the 100 block of East Ridge Street.
• Brenda Bartlett of East Church Street reported someone poured paint on her vehicle.

7/3/2010
City police reported the following:
Times Leader

• Andrew Smulligan, of South Hanover Street, was cited with harassment for allegedly leaving threatening messages on his girlfriend’s mother’s voicemail.
• Robert Mitchell, of East Main Street, reported a television, a recliner, a couch and two glass tables were stolen during a burglary at his residence.
• A 17-year-old male was cited with underage drinking and disorderly conduct after a disturbance.
• Joan Girlock, of West Noble Street, reported someone stole a battery from her camper.
• Joseph Bushelli, of Nanticoke Avenue, reported someone smashed a window on his vehicle and stole prescription medications.
• Sean Owens, 22, of Ashley, was cited with harassment after he allegedly called an ex-girlfriend more than 71 times a day for eight days.
• A 17-year-old male was cited with harassment after he allegedly choked a 15-year-old male in a dispute about a fort in the woods.
• Sylvia Sherlinski, of Wilkes-Barre, reported copper pipe was stolen from a home on South Hanover Street.
• Linda Sarnak, of Apollo Circle, reported someone attempted to enter her residence through a kitchen window.
• Tiffany Shiffka-Dunn, of Hanover Township, was cited with harassment after she allegedly threatened a relative and a woman.
• Dennis Dominic Ventura, 29, of West Grand Street, Nanticoke, was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and public drunkenness after he was found carrying a pipe during a disturbance outside his residence on June 26. The charges were filed with District Judge Donald Whittaker.

7/1/2010
South Korean arrested on sex charges
elewis@timesleader.com

A South Korean national was arrested by police on charges he sexually assaulted a woman inside a store on South Market Street.
click image to enlarge
Ui Sok Chae, 59, was arraigned in Wilkes-Barre Central Court on Thursday on two counts each of aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault and indecent exposure. He was jailed at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility for lack of $20,000 bail.
Chae is in the United States visiting his son, who is a student at Penn State University, according to charges filed.
Police allege Chae sexually assaulted a woman inside the Thrift Store, and followed her outside where he continued to molest her on Wednesday.
The woman told police she was walking near the store and asked a man if she could use his cell phone. He told her to go inside the store where he kissed her, and exposed himself, according to the criminal complaint.
Police said in the criminal complaint that the woman's mother went to the store and found Chae exposing himself behind the counter with a female customer inside the business.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled on July 6 before District Judge Donald Whittaker in Nanticoke.

7/1/2010
A woman accused by police of drunken driving waived her right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday before District Judge Donald Whittaker.
Times Leader

Gerardette Ann Kasprzyk, 52, of Hunlock Township, waived two counts of driving under the influence to Luzerne County Court. Police withdrew three traffic violations against Kasprzyk.
Kasprzyk was charged on evidence of drunken driving after a traffic stop on Lower Broadway on March 27, according to the criminal complaint.

6/30/2010
Former soldier gets house arrest for drug charges
John Chernowsky, 25, of Nanticoke, has completed an inpatient addiction program.
sdelazio@timesleader.com

A former soldier, injured while serving in Afghanistan and charged with making up a robbery story to obtain a police report he needed to get a new prescription from a doctor, was sentenced Tuesday to six to 12 months house arrest.
John Chernowsky, 25, of South Walnut Street, Nanticoke, was sentenced in five different cases by Judge David Lupas.
Chernowsky was sentenced on charges of delivery of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia, false reports made to police and driving under the influence.
Chernowsky’s attorney, Michael Pendolphi, said his client was injured in a Humvee crash while serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan.
Pendolphi said Chernowsky was discharged and developed post-traumatic stress disorder. He became addicted to pain medication prescribed to him by a doctor, his attorney said.
Pendolphi said that since Chernowsky was arrested, he has participated in an inpatient drug addiction program, which he successfully completed.
He is now receiving outpatient care.
“To put this man in prison is preposterous,” Pendolphi said.
Assistant District Attorney Albert Yacoub recommended Chernowsky receive some sort of prison sentence because two of the charges are felonies.
According to court papers, on Nov. 23 Chernowsky reported he was robbed at knifepoint of money and his prescription bottle of Xanax tablets.
Chernowsky told police he could not contact an officer when he banged on the door at the police department, but a surveillance video from the department did not show Chernowsky at the door.
Police said Chernowsky later admitted he fabricated the story to obtain more pills.
In another incident, Chernowsky was charged after police said he climbed onto the rear roof of an elderly neighbor’s house on East Church Street, claiming he was looking for a shirt his friend had thrown out of the window on Nov. 24.
Police said they did not find a shirt on the roof, and that Chernowsky later admitted he wanted to get into the house to look for money and that he had a $800-to-$1,000-a-month heroin habit.
On Nov. 25, police said, a vehicle Chernowsky was driving struck another vehicle in Nanticoke. Police said Chernowsky was unsteady on his feet and had bloodshot, glossy eyes.
Five days later, police observed Chernowsky on West Main Street, Nanticoke, where they found him in possession of a hypodermic needle.
In August, police said, Chernowsky sold suspected heroin to a police informant.

6/19/2010
City police reported the following:
Times Leader

• David Kozak, of West Noble Street, was cited with disorderly conduct after police allegedly saw him throw an explosive device out a car window.
• Modern Gas, of West Main Street, reported copper pipe was stolen from a vehicle.
• Jason Racht, of Kosciuszko Street, was cited with public drunkenness when he was allegedly found intoxicated exiting the Uni Mart, Main Street.
• Ronald Baker, of West Green Street, reported someone slashed two tires on his vehicle.
• Andrew Gibson Jr., of South Walnut Street, was cited with public drunkenness when he was allegedly found intoxicated in the area of Shea and State streets.
• A 15-year old male reported an orange Mongoose Hoopd bicycle was stolen from a porch of a West Ridge Street home.
• Kathleen Levandowski, of Apollo Circle, was cited with trespassing when she failed to obey commands to stay out of Rite Aid Pharmacy, Main Street.
• Kara Young, of East Green Street, was cited for trespassing when she refused to leave a home on East Grand Street.

6/16/2010
Nanticoke police activity
Citizens Voice

> Susan Sanders of River Street was cited for violation of the dog law ordinance after her unleashed dog bit a Wyoming Valley Sanitation Authority employee on the hip.
> Carolyn Keene reported someone stole copper piping from a vacant rental property she owns on State Street.
> Someone entered the property of Modern Gas and stole a GPS unit, tools and a large amount of brass fittings and copper tubing.
> Mike Tomko of East Green Street reported someone damaged the front marker light on his vehicle.
> A 16-year-old was cited for operating an unregistered and uninsured all terrain vehicle on the 100 block of East Washington Street.
> Phillip Levandowski Sr., of Mountain View Drive, reported someone entered his garage and stole a case of beer and a key to an all terrain vehicle.
> Someone broke into the Quoit Club on Railroad Street and stole cash from a safe and a "joker poker" machine.
> A front window was broken at the DelBalso Ford property on West Main Street.
> Janet Baker of East Grand Street reported someone entered her garage and stole a GPS unit.
> Ace Schrader of 203 Apollo Circle was cited for disorderly conduct after kicking the passenger side door of a 17-year-old female's vehicle.
> David Eisenbach, of West South Street, reported someone threw a rock at the side of apartment, causing damage.
> Keith Keller, of John Street, reported someone stole his Suzuki motorcycle while it was parked on East Ridge Street.

5/27/2010
Citizens Voice
City police reported the following incidents:

> Carole Keber reported Wednesday that someone stole a Cupid statue and a pedestal from the front yard of her East Field Street apartment.
> Diseree Deitz, of West Church Street, reported Wednesday that someone entered her vehicle and stole a TomTom GPS, a Samsung cellular phone, an RCA portable CD player and a JVC portable DVD player.
> Frank Haydock, of West Grove Street, reported Wednesday that his driver-side window was smashed and paint was damaged on his car after someone threw a piece of asphalt at his vehicle.
> William Thomas, of West Pittston, was cited Wednesday for public drunkenness after police found him lying on the sidewalk of the Nanticoke bridge.
> Stanley Cardinale, of Loomis Street, reported Wednesday that someone smashed the windshield of his vehicle with a rock.
> William Cupp, of West Green Street, was cited Wednesday for harassment after he threatened physical harm to Loretta Fenner and Craig Harness.
> Andrew Gibson, of South Walnut Street, was cited Wednesday for public drunkenness after officers found him sitting on a sidewalk leaning against a building at Spring and Prospect streets.
> Andrew Smulligan, of South Hanover Street, reported Wednesday someone damaged the bottom of his screen door.
> Martha Eckwrote, of East Main Street, reported Wednesday that someone stole a metal and wooden bench from a property on Coal Street.
> Edmond Smith, of Plymouth, reported Wednesday that someone smashed the passenger and rear window and dented the rear tail gate of his Ford Bronco while it was parked in Apollo Circle.
> Multiple people reported Tuesday that there were 11 vehicles that had flattened tires in the 400, 500 and 600 blocks of Main Street.
> Lori Antolik, of East Noble Street, reported Tuesday that someone stole the license plate from her husband's motorcycle.
> Chelsey Mascolo, of East Green Street, reported Tuesday that someone damaged her vehicle after jumping on the hood of her car.
> Michelle Morgis, of Oak Street, reported Tuesday that someone entered her vehicle and stole three $1 bills and a Jensen CD car stereo.
> William Daniel Atkinson, 21, of 15 E. Ridge St., was charged Tuesday with burglary, criminal trespass, theft and receiving stolen property after stealing and selling his neighbor's yellow walk-behind lawn mower, according to police documents. Atkinson loaded the lawn mower in his black Mercury Sable and sold it for $40 to his cousin, David Atkinson, four or five days before he was arrested.

5/27/2010
A local chiropractor was sentenced Wednesday to four years probation on charges he filed fraudulent claims for insurance, collecting more than $83,000.
Times Leader

Gary Peter McGee, 124 Christian Street, Nanticoke, was sentenced by Luzerne County Court Judge David Lupas on charges of insurance fraud.
Lupas also gave McGee 200 hours of community service to be served at local medical clinics.
McGee, 42, who has an office at 1144 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, was charged after he allegedly submitted 212 fraudulent claims to Blue Cross for treatments he claimed another chiropractor performed on him.
McGee allegedly submitted the claims by rubber stamping a second doctor’s signature onto claim forms that were submitted for reimbursement. He was charged in September last year.
McGee pleaded guilty to the charge in April.

5/27/2010
A man was arraigned on Wednesday on charges he stole a lawn mower during a burglary.
Times Leader

William Daniel Atkinson, 20, of East Ridge Street, Nanticoke, was charged with three counts of criminal trespass, two counts each of burglary and theft and a single count of receiving stolen property. He was arraigned in Wilkes-Barre Central Court and jailed at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility for lack of $5,000 bail.
Police allege Atkinson stole a lawn mower from a garage on East Ridge Street. He sold the lawn mower for $40. Atkinson returned to the garage intending to steal a bag of aluminum cans when he was spotted by two people, according to the criminal complaint.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 1 before District Judge Donald Whittaker in Nanticoke.

5/22/2010
Nanticoke man sentenced in drug, kidnapping cases
With credit for time served, Norman W. Mayewski ends up with parole and probation.
sdelazio@timesleader.com

A Nanticoke man was sentenced Friday to 2 to 5 years in jail on 10 charges, including those linked to a kidnapping case from November 2007.
But Luzerne County Judge Thomas Burke gave Norman W. Mayewski, 25, of West Main Street, 907 days credit for time already served and granted him immediate parole. Burke said Mayewski must serve a 12-month probation period for his crimes.
The judge said he gave Mayewski a lesser sentence because Mayewski has shown he wants to turn his life around.
“I wish I was able to go back and change it,” Mayewski said of his crimes. “The only thing I can change is myself.”
Mayewski’s parents, Norman S. Mayewski, 51, and Sandra Mayewski, 48, both of Coal Street, Nanticoke, also appeared before Burke to be sentenced on one count each of possession of a controlled substance, but their sentencings were continued to September.
Those charges stem from a January 2009 incident in which police say they pulled over a vehicle driven by Sandra Mayewski in which they found several bags of suspected heroin stamped “Money Train.” Norman S. Mayewski was a passenger in the vehicle.
Norman W. Mayewski, who faced 98 years in jail had his sentences run consecutively, pleaded guilty in March. He was represented by attorney Demetrius Fannick, while Deputy District Attorney David Pedri prosecuted.
“He’s not the same person that he was,” Fannick said Friday, adding that Mayewski has taken responsibility for his actions.
In the 2007 kidnapping case, police said Dominique Caranante reported she had been assaulted in a dispute about a new boyfriend. Police said Caranante met Mayewski in an alley after he threatened her about a new boyfriend.
The woman said Mayewski forced her into his vehicle and drove to Interstate 81, where he threatened to jump off a bridge into traffic. Mayewski then took her to his residence, but she ran out of the house to a nearby friend’s place.
In the unrelated drug cases, police said Mayewski packaged pills, identified as Klonopin and Percocet, on Nov. 26, 2007. On June 6, 2007, Mayewski sold suspected heroin and crack cocaine to a police informant, as well as on three other occasions, in April, August and October of 2007, police said.
Also in October 2007, police pulled over a vehicle driven by Mayewski in which they found $1,273 in cash and suspected crack cocaine.
Police said they also found a digital scale, a computer with video cameras taping the outside of the house, a police scanner, a bag of unidentified white liquid and two boxes of sandwich bags at Mayewski’s residence.

5/21/2010
Self-proclaimed skin head charged with threatening physician, nurse
elewis@timesleader.com

A self-proclaimed skin head with Nazi tattoos was charged by Newport Township police on Friday for allegedly threatening to harm a physician of Asian descent and a nurse in April.
click image to enlarge
Darl R. Musselman, 18, of Pine Street, Nanticoke, was charged with aggravated assault, disorderly conduct and harassment. He was arraigned by District Judge Michael Dotzel in Wilkes-Barre Township and jailed at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility for lack of $25,000 bail.
According to the criminal complaint:
Audrey Williams contacted police when her son, Musselman, was causing a disturbance at her residence on April 9. Musselman told police he ingested pills and planned on swallowing more pills.
When told he was going to be committed to a hospital on a mental health issue, Musselman fled the home.
Police chased Musselman for several blocks before he was captured. He was transported to Wilkes-Barre General Hospital where police allege he threatened an Asian physician and attempted to bite a thumb on a nurse, the criminal complaint says.
Police said in the criminal complaint that Musselman is a self-proclaimed skin head and has Nazi tattoos on his body.

5/19/2010
Citizens' Voice
Nanticoke City police responded to the following thefts on Monday:

> Genny Lauritzen said someone entered her Kosciuszko Street home and stole a Wii game system.
> John Tagnani said someone entered his Agostina Drive home and removed cash.
> Donald Lyons of Honey Pot Street said someone stole the license plate from his Plymouth Neon.
> Gordon Storms said someone stole the copper piping from the vacant side of the East Ridge Street duplex he lives in.
> Sandra Fedorchak of West Grand Street said someone stole various lawn ornaments from her yard, including a 3-foot-high statue of a bear with a shovel and a couple sitting on a bench.
> Linda Plews of West Field Street said someone stole a hanging potted plant from her back porch.
> Beverly Thomas of East Noble Street said someone removed four solar lights from her front yard.

5/12/2010
Times Leader
City police reported the following:

• Windows were smashed on a vehicle and at a house on South Walnut Street.
• A student at Luzerne County Community College reported a Bichon dog was stolen from a vehicle that was parked on the campus.
• Antoinette Lewis, of Luzerne, was cited with harassment after Henry Steuer, of Nanticoke, her ex-boyfriend, reported she had been communicating with him.
• Wayne Maxwell, of Nanticoke, was cited with public drunkenness after he was found intoxicated in a vehicle after leaving a bar.
• Alfred Gregor Jr., of West Wyoming, reported someone scratched his vehicle that was parked on Hill Street.
• Someone burglarized Stegura’s Funeral Home, South Hanover Street. No items were reported missing.
• Someone shot pink paintballs at Mike’s Service Station, Lower Broadway.
• A woman reported her purse was stolen while she was waiting for a bus at East Main and Shea streets. The suspect is described as a man in his early to mid 20s, approximately 5 feet, 10 inches tall, thin build, short brown hair, and wearing a brown/green T-shirt and blue jeans.

4/28/2010
Times Leader

A man charged by police on evidence of drunken driving waived his right Tuesday to a preliminary hearing before District Judge Donald Whittaker.
Ronald Raymond Jones, 48, of South Market Street, Nanticoke, waived with two counts of driving under the influence to Luzerne County Court.
Police alleged Jones crashed a vehicle into a utility pole on East Main Street on March 13.
Jones had a blood alcohol level of .219 percent, according to the criminal complaint.
An adult driver in Pennsylvania is considered legally intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent.

Police withdrew two counts of providing false reports to law enforcement against Roger Allen Sadowski Jr., 39, of Nanticoke, on Tuesday during a preliminary hearing before District Judge Donald Whittaker.
Police had accused Sadowski of filing a false report about damage to his vehicle on March 31, according to the criminal complaint.

A man accused of assaulting a woman waived his right to a preliminary hearing before District Judge Donald Whittaker on Tuesday.
Jared L. Allabaugh, 23, of West Ridge Street, Nanticoke, waived two counts of simple assault and disorderly conduct, and one count each of criminal mischief, harassment and public drunkenness to Luzerne County Court.
Police allege Allabaugh assaulted a woman outside a bar on East Ridge Street and damaged a window in a cruiser on April 23.

4/27/2010
Times Leader
Police arrested Jared L. Allabaugh, 23, of West Ridge Street, on charges he assaulted a woman and damaged a cruiser Friday night.

Allabaugh was charged with two counts each of simple assault and disorderly conduct, and one count each of criminal mischief, harassment and public drunkenness. He was arraigned by Senior District Judge Andrew Barilla and released on $5,000 unsecured bail.
Police allege Allabaugh assaulted a woman outside a bar on East Ridge Street and damaged a window in a cruiser at about 10:15 p.m. Friday.

4/24/2010
Citizens' Voice
City police reported the following incidents:

Jose Calo, 45, of 131 Pine St., was charged with simple assault and harassment for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend, Ania Dunaj, giving her a black eye.
Rita Legins of Oak Street reported someone threw eggs at her house and tossed creamed corn on her vehicle.
Gale Lewis of Century 21 reported someone broke into a property on East Ridge Street to steal copper piping and shot out a window with a pellet gun.

4/15/2010
Times Leader
City police reported the following:

• Police said Jamil Tucker, of Apollo Circle, was cited with public drunkenness and criminal mischief after a disturbance involving a broken window at an Apollo Circle residence on Friday.
Tucker’s girlfriend, Kayla Claypool, 19, of Apollo Circle, was cited with providing false reports to law enforcement for allegedly claiming she broke the window.
• Gordon Storms, of East Ridge Street, reported someone smashed windows on her vehicle.
• A 16-year-old male reported a blue Redline Single-X 20-inch bicycle was stolen from a home on Park Street.

4/13/2010
Cops: Woman pretends to be doctor
Nanticoke resident charged with trying to get painkillers illegally.
elewis@timesleader.com

A woman was arrested by township police on charges she pretended to be a physician when she ordered painkillers from a pharmacy on Saturday.
Police allege Patricia Susan Bolka, 35, of East Union Street, Nanticoke, called the pharmacy inside Gerrity’s Supermarket, Hanover Mall, and left a voice mail identifying herself as a physician to order prescriptions for herself and another woman.
Bolka was arrested by police when she showed up at the pharmacy to pick up the painkillers.
It wasn’t the first time Bolka used the name of a physician to order prescriptions by telephone, according to charges filed.
Kingston police allege Bolka called Cook’s Pharmacy and identified herself as a physician to order prescriptions for her and Silvana Medina, 44, of Nanticoke, in September.
Bolka was arraigned by District Judge Joseph Halesey in Hanover Township on three counts of possession of a controlled substance and two counts of identify theft that were filed by township police. She was charged by Kingston police with criminal conspiracy to acquire a controlled substance by misrepresentation and criminal attempt to acquire a controlled substance by misrepresentation.
Bolka was jailed at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility for lack of $5,000 total bail.
Medina is facing the same charges by Kingston police; however, she has not been arraigned, according to court records.
According to the criminal complaint filed by township police, a pharmacist at Gerrity’s became suspicious about a message on an answering machine from a physician ordering 90 tablets of Ultrams for Bolka and 90 tablets of Vicodin for Medina. The pharmacist said the voice on the machine and the voice of the actual physician, which the pharmacist knew, were not the same.
The physician told the pharmacist that he did not call in prescriptions for the two women.
Police arrested Bolka when she showed up at the pharmacy. Bolka told police she has a problem and needs help, the criminal complaint says.
Kingston police allege in the criminal complaint that Bolka called Cook’s Pharmacy on Sept. 29, identified herself at a physician and ordered 60 tablets of Alprazolam and 60 tablets of Percocet for Medina on an answering machine.

4/6/2010
Home burglary under investigation in Nanticoke
Times Leader

A home in the 200 block of East Main Street was burglarized as the tenants slept overnight, police said.
Police said the tenants were sleeping on the second floor when the first floor was ransacked. A stereo and stereo equipment from the victims vehicle, which was parked on East Spring Street, were stolen, police said.
Anyone with information about the burglary and theft from the vehicle is asked to contact Nanticoke police at 735-2200.

4/6/2010
Nanticoke police investigate graffiti vandalism
Times Leader

Police said they are investigating at least 17 incidents involving graffiti on garages, homes and vehicles.
Police said red and blue color spray paint was used on the buildings and vehicles on Church, Grand, Walnut and College streets.
Anyone with information about the graffiti is asked to contact Nanticoke police at 735-2200.

4/2/2010
A woman was charged by police on Thursday for allegedly assaulting a man.
Times Leader

Heather Conway, 31, of West Church Street, Nanticoke, was charged with simple assault and harassment. She was arraigned in Wilkes-Barre Central Court and released on $5,000 unsecured bail.
Police said Conway assaulted Roger Sadowski in their residence at about 3:20 a.m. Thursday, according to the criminal complaint. Police said that Sadowski had injuries to his face, neck and leg.
A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled on April 13 before District Judge Donald Whittaker in Nanticoke.

4/1/2010
Nanticoke man charged in fake drug prescription case
elewis@timesleader.com

A man used a home computer to create bogus prescriptions he filled at three pharmacies using false names, including the name of a deceased relative, according to charges filed by the state.
Marc J. Zawadzki, 36, of Center Street, Nanticoke, was charged by the state Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and Drug Control with 25 counts of possession of a controlled substance by misrepresentation and 23 counts of possession of a controlled substance. He was arraigned Tuesday by District Judge Donald Whittaker in Nanticoke and released on $25,000 unsecured bail.
Narcotics agents alleged Zawadzki produced prescriptions on a home computer, forging names of three physicians, and had the prescriptions filled at two pharmacies in Nanticoke and a department store pharmacy in Edwardsville from November to February.
According to the criminal complaint:
A pharmacist at Kmart, Route 11, Edwardsville, contacted the Attorney General’s Office in January claiming the same person was picking up prescriptions for five people written by three different physicians. Surveillance cameras captured Zawadzki picking up the prescriptions and driving away.
Narcotics agents learned the names of four people for whom the prescriptions were written were false.
A Plains Township physician, whose name appears on the fraudulent prescriptions, told narcotics agents Zawadzki was a patient but he had not treated him for several years. Narcotics agents were told by a pharmacist at Spotanski’s Pharmacy, South Prospect Street, Nanticoke, in February that Zawadzki passed 17 fraudulent prescriptions using four names and three physicians.
Zawadzki contacted the Attorney General’s Office on March 3, claiming he created the prescriptions on a home computer and purchased “better grade of paper” at a store to produce them. He told narcotic agents he practiced writing narcotic symbols he obtained from the Internet, made up names and used the name of a deceased uncle on the fraudulent prescriptions.
Narcotic agents alleged Zawadzki also passed bogus prescriptions at the CVS Pharmacy, East Main Street, Nanticoke.
Controlled substances that Zawadzki obtained were Percocet, oxycondone, hydrocodone and Xanax.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 20 before Whittaker.

4/1/2010
Man jailed for manslaughter gets more time
sdelazio@timesleader.com

A Nanticoke man recently sentenced for causing the death of another man in a fight received an additional one to two years in prison on unrelated drug charges.
Zireek Gardner, 19, of East Main Street, who was sentenced in November on involuntary manslaughter charges and sentenced to four to eight years in prison for the death of William Bentley, received the additional sentence Wednesday on two counts of delivery of heroin and possession with intent to deliver.
The one-to-two-year sentence was handed down by Luzerne County Judge David Lupas, who said the sentence will run consecutively with the involuntary manslaughter sentence Gardner is currently serving.
In the drug case, police said Gardner sold suspected heroin to a police informant on several separate occasions in October.
Gardner was sentenced last year on charges he caused the death of 25-year-old Bentley. Prosecutors said Gardner and Bentley got into a fight on March 26 outside Schiel’s Family Market on Hanover Street in Wilkes-Barre.
|Gardner punched Bentley in the back of the head. Bentley never regained consciousness and died the next day after doctors said he was brain-dead.
Police said the fight was the end result of an earlier incident in which Gardner, also known as “Zock,” said he was robbed of drugs and money.
The two met by chance outside the grocery store later that day, prosecutors said.
Gardner was represented by attorney John Pike. Assistant District Attorney Jenny Roberts prosecuted the case.

3/24/2010
Police issue citations for illegal dumping
Citizens Voice

NEWPORT TWP. - Township police on March 17 cited four people who were caught scattering garbage and burning it in the area on Industrial Park Road in Ridgeview, commonly known as the Sandpit, police said.
Those cited include: Earl Lohman, 22, Nanticoke, Michael Swicklik, 20, Mountain Top, Joshua Lohman, 19, Nanticoke, and Cameron Cox, 21, Nanticoke.
Police said the suspect scattered wooden pallets, pieces of exercise equipment, a mattress, bags of household trash and a used tire over a fire. The offenders were observed by police throwing the items on the fire, police said.

Nanticoke man cited for discarding trash illegally

Police cited a Nanticoke man with illegal dumping Friday around 12:15 p.m. on Industrial Park Road in the Ridgeview section of the township, police said.
Police cited Martin M. Lewis, 54, with scattering rubbish and trespass by motor vehicle for driving a Jeep Cherokee with a trailer filled with household garbage back to the area commonly known as the Sandpit, dumping the items.
Items dumped include bags and boxes filled with miscellaneous household garbage, old mini blinds, plastic wheel covers, pizza boxes, a broken Bissell Steam Vacuum and a broken projection television.

Thomas Gregorowicz of East State Street reported someone gained entry to his vehicle and stole two CD wallets containing 40 to 50 CDs.
Jennifer Park, of Apollo Circle, reported someone damaged her backyard shed.
Michael Coffee, of Hill Street, reported someone smashed out the window of his vehicle and stole a flip out television, a flip down television, two amplifiers and a K scale.
Mary Bolinski, of West Union Street, reported someone flattened the tires of three of her vehicles.
Albert Brown, of West Grand Street, reported someone scratched two of his vehicles.
Randy Kashnicki, of East Church Street, reported someone knocked over the top layer of stone from his retailing wall.
Duane Krommes, of East Broad Street, reported someone damaged a piece of siding on his home.
Police responded to a domestic dispute on West Union Street and encountered Rafael Munoz, 36, of Plymouth, who police determined was wanted by Philadelphia police.
Police arrested Shamel Harris, 26, of Brooklyn, N.Y., after police responded to a disturbance at 380 E. Ridge St. and he refused to cooperate. Police said Harris provided multiple fake names, and the FBI processing center eventually identified him through fingerprints. He was charged with providing false information to law enforcement.

3/24/2010
Plymouth Township man charged with stalking ex-girlfriend, fleeing police
elewis@timesleader.com

Police filed stalking and related charges against a Plymouth Township man accused of harassing an ex-girlfriend and initiating a pursuit with officers early Tuesday morning.
Police allege Robert Richard Bond Jr., 19, of Bradley Street, was throwing rocks at a window of a residence where his ex-girlfriend resides at about 2:45 a.m. Tuesday. Police spotted Bond driving a vehicle in the area of East Main and Kosciuszko streets around 3:30 a.m.
Bond refused to stop and initiated a pursuit with police on the Sans Souci Parkway and the South Cross Valley Expressway into Plymouth Township, police said.
Police said Bond crashed his vehicle into an embankment on state Route 11, and ran into the Plymouth flats area where he eluded capture.
A police canine was used to track Bond in the secluded area but police believe Bond was provided a ride.
Bond is facing six counts of harassment, three counts of stalking, and one count each of loitering and prowling at night, reckless endangerment, fleeing or eluding police, reckless driving, speeding and failure to keep vehicle on roadway. The charges were filed with District Judge Donald Whittaker in Nanticoke on Tuesday.
Police said Bond has contacted family members.

3/18/2010
Times Leader
City police reported the following:

• Mary Bolinski, of West Union Street, reported someone flattened tires on three vehicles.
• Albert Brown, of West Grand Street, reported someone vandalized two vehicles.
• Randy Kashnicki, of East Church Street, reported someone knocked over a retaining wall in the rear of his residence.
• Duane Krommes, of East Broad Street, reported someone damaged the exterior of his residence.

3/18/2010
Times Leader
City police reported the following:

• Ronald Raymond Jones, 48, of South Market Street, Nanticoke, was charged with two counts of driving under the influence after he allegedly crashed a vehicle into a utility pole on East Main Street on Saturday, police said.
Police said Jones had a blood alcohol level of .219 percent. An adult driver in Pennsylvania is considered legally intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent.
The charges were filed with District Judge Donald Whittaker in Nanticoke on Tuesday and mailed to Jones. A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled on April 27 before Whittaker.

• Jeffrey J. Gruver, 26, of Dallas Mobile Park, Dallas, was charged on allegations he threatened a woman with a pellet gun on West Green Street on March 10.
Gruver was charged with terroristic threats, simple assault, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness. The charges were filed with District Judge Donald Whittaker in Nanticoke and mailed to Gruver.
According to the criminal complaint, Gruver approached a woman walking a dog on West Green Street and began a conversation. The woman said Gruver followed her to her home and asked for a glass of water. She said that when she refused, Gruver aimed a gun at her.
Gruver ran away and was captured by officers after a chase. A pellet gun was found near Locust Street.
A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled on April 27 before Whittaker.

3/17/2010
Guilty plea could mean long haul in Pa. prison
Norman Mayewski, of Nanticoke, pleads guilty to 10 charges, including kidnapping, drug-related counts.
sdelazio@timesleader.com

Assistant District Attorney Albert Yacoub said he’ll be asking the judge for a state prison sentence of three to six years when Mayewski is sentenced.
A Nanticoke man pleaded guilty Tuesday to 10 charges relating to seven separate cases, including a kidnapping charge from November 2007.
Norman Mayewski, 25, of West Main Street, entered the plea before Luzerne County President Judge Thomas Burke.
Mayewski, who faces 98 years in jail if his sentences are run consecutively on all 10 charges, pleaded guilty to two counts of manufacturing a controlled substance, five counts of delivery of a controlled substance, one count of possession with intent to deliver, one count of kidnapping and one count of possession of a controlled substance.
Mayewski was represented by attorney Demetrius Fannick, while Assistant District Attorney Albert Yacoub prosecuted.
Yacoub said he’ll be asking the judge for a state prison sentence of three to six years when Mayewski is sentenced on April 28.
In the 2007 kidnapping case, police said Dominique Caranante reported she had been assaulted.
Police said Caranante met Mayewski in an alley after he threatened her about a new boyfriend. She said Mayewski asked her to go for a ride with him, but when she said no, he pulled her hair and kicked her in the stomach.
Caranante said Mayewski forced her into his vehicle and drove to Interstate 81, where he threatened to jump off a bridge into traffic. Mayewski then took the woman to his residence, but she ran out of the house to a nearby friend’s home.
In the unrelated drug cases, police said Mayewski packaged pills, identified as klonopin and Percocet, on Nov. 26, 2007. On June 6, 2007, Mayewski sold suspected heroin and crack cocaine to a police informant, as well as on three other occasions, in April, August and October of 2007, police said.|
Also in October 2007, police pulled over a vehicle driven by Mayewski in which they found $1,273 in cash and suspected crack cocaine.
Police said that when they searched Mayewski’s residence, they found a digital scale, a computer with video cameras taping the outside of the home, a police scanner, a bag of unidentified white liquid and two boxes of sandwich bags.

3/12/2010
Citizens' Voice
City police released information on the following incidents:

Ryan Zendarski of East Main Street said someone smashed two windows on his vehicle while it was parked near his home.

Barbara Garren of College Street reported someone smashed a hole in the rear window of her vehicle.

Adam Zwolinski of West Church Street reported someone damaged the rear quarter panel of his vehicle.

Raymond Drexler of Front Street said someone entered his vehicle and stole an iPod, a GPS unit and CDs.

Angel Halchak of Coal Street reported someone slashed two tires on her vehicle while it was parked at her residence.

Leonard Domzalski of South Hanover Street reported someone threw a dozen eggs at his home.

James Wright Jr. of West Grand Street was cited for harassment after an altercation with his sister's boyfriend.

Scott Alfonso of Center Street was cited for public drunkenness after police were dispatched to a male threatening a caller.

3/11/2010
Times Leader
City police reported the following:

• A man was charged after a parking dispute involving his girlfriend.
John J. Balut, 41, of South Market Street, Nanticoke, is charged with accidents involving damage to vehicle, criminal mischief, false reports to law enforcement, disorderly conduct and three traffic violations. The charges were filed with District Judge Donald Whittaker in Nanticoke on Tuesday and mailed to Balut.
• Police charged two people after helping them with a vehicle that was stuck in snow on Middle Road on March 4.
Thang Duc Nguyen, 19, of South Hancock Street, Wilkes-Barre, and Asia Marie Cobb, 21, of Park Avenue and South Empire Street, Wilkes-Barre, were charged with disorderly conduct and public drunkenness. Nguyen was further charged with obstructing justice, possession of alcohol by minor and careless driving, and Cobb with resisting arrest.
The charges were filed with District Judge Donald Whittaker in Nanticoke and mailed to Nguyen and Cobb.
• Two men were charged on allegations they assaulted each other during a road rage dispute on March 2.
Brett Michael Williamson, 18, of East Washington Street, Nanticoke, was charged with simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct. Christopher Michael Shon, 37, of Honey Pot Street, Nanticoke, was charged with two counts of simple assault, and one count each of harassment, disorderly conduct and driving with a suspended license.
The charges were filed with District Judge Donald Whittaker in Nanticoke and mailed to Williamson and Shon.

2/28/2010
Times Leader
City police reported the recent following:

• Meichin Huang, of Mountain Top, reported someone stole the registration plate from her vehicle while it was parked at Nanticoke Special Care Hospital.
• Erin Gutkowski, of East Noble Street, reported someone threw a brick through a window at her residence.
• Priscilla Mazur, of Nanticoke, reported a woman stole her purse while she was walking on East Main Street.
• Robert M. McCue, 72, of Kelfield Drive, Nanticoke, was arrested on evidence of drunken driving after a crash on West Washington Street on Saturday.
McCue was charged with two counts of driving under the influence and a single count of careless driving. The charges were filed with District Judge Donald Whittaker in Nanticoke and mailed to McCue on Thursday.
Police allege McCue had a blood alcohol content of .295 percent after he struck a parked vehicle.
An adult driver in Pennsylvania is considered intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 16 before Whittaker.

2/26/2010
Two people have been charged with harassing and threatening a couple that was traveling through the city with their child.
Citizens Voice

Catherine Oshinski, 21, and Ryan Briggs, 22, both of 1129 S. Prospect St., are charged with disorderly conduct. Oshinski was also charged with harassment.
Police say on Feb. 18 they approached a couple that was stopped at a stop sign, yelling "you are a snitch" and "scum" to Eric Karvaski and girlfriend, Robin Buckley, while they were with their 2-year-old daughter. Oshinski then spit on Karvaski, police said.

2/26/2010
City police have arrested a man on aggravated assault and robbery charges for slashing a man in the face and stealing $45 from his pocket on Jan. 1 at 253 Apollo Circle, police said.
Citizens Voice

Karsheen J. McNeil, last known address of 62 Third St., Larksville, is charged with aggravated assault, robbery, theft, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.
According to arrest papers:
McNeil, a convicted drug dealer, assaulted, slashed and robbed Theodore Glowacki Jr. around 7 a.m. on Jan. 1 after accusing him of stealing a woman's purse containing money. Trista Sims, occupant of 253 Apollo Circle, had owed money to McNeil, a man she met months ago at the Prospect Street Cafe in Nanticoke.
Glowacki and Sims previously told McNeil that another man stole the purse, but McNeil believed Glowacki was involved. Glowacki said McNeil slashed him across the neck and face with a blade and then punched him several times in the face.
McNeil then fled into a waiting Lexus, which was occupied by two other men. Wilkes-Barre police detectives later helped identify McNeil.

2/24/2010
Man wanted on bad checks
Times Leader

State police at Hazleton said they are searching for Albert Patrick Huff, 42, on charges he passed nearly $7,000 in checks at three businesses on a closed checking account.
Police allege Huff wrote checks to Murphy Lumber Company, state Route 437, Dennison Township, Shelly's Lumber, state Route 940, Foster Township, and Conyngham Builders, state Route 93, Sugarloaf Township, from Dec. 30 to Jan. 5.
Police said the bad checks totaled $6,959.78.
Huff purchased large amounts of copper pipe that has a high scrap value, police said.
Police said Huff has operated under the business name of "AK Construction," and has ties to Hazleton and Nanticoke.
Huff is charged with eight counts of bad checks and three counts of theft, which were filed with district judges Daniel O'Donnell and Gerald Feissner.
Huff is also wanted by the Luzerne County Sheriff's Department on a warrant for failing to appear at a court hearing on Jan. 25, according to court records.

2/21/2010
A man who said that two men stabbed him allegedly used another person’s identity at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, police said.
See Below - From Times Leader

James Michael Hughes, 21, last known address as State Street, Nanticoke, was arraigned Thursday on charges of identity theft and providing false identification to law enforcement. He was jailed at the county prison for lack of $10,000 bail.
According to the criminal complaint:
Hughes arrived at the hospital on Jan. 24 saying he was stabbed by two men on Hazle Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. Hughes identified himself at the hospital as 25-year-old Thomas Segeda.
Police said in the criminal complaint that Hughes provided vague information about the stabbing and identified himself to officers as Segeda.
Published reports of the stabbing prompted a response from Thomas Segeda, who contacted police on Jan. 25. He told police that his wallet with his driver’s license was either lost or stolen, and he had received phone calls from friends about the stabbing.
Segeda said there were other reports that his identity had been used without his knowledge.
Police obtained video recordings from the hospital that showed Hughes, not Segeda, walking into the emergency room, the criminal complaint says.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 25 in Wilkes-Barre Central Court.

2/10/2010
Citizens' Voice
Police seek Nanticoke man accused of identity theft, racking up medical bills - APPREHENDED
Wilkes-Barre police have filed an arrest warrant against a man who was stabbed, then gave police and medical officials the wrong identity.
James M. Hughes Jr., 21, of Nanticoke, is charged with identity theft and providing false information to law enforcement.
After being taken to the hospital, Hughes allegedly told authorities he was Thomas Segeda, 25.
When the story was reported in local newspapers, the real Segeda approached police, saying his driver's license was stolen several months earlier and someone was using his identity.
After reviewing hospital surveillance footage, police later determined Hughes used Segeda's identity and racked up thousands in medical bills.
Hughes suffered a wound to his abdomen, but was released within a day.
Police have not been able to locate him.
Anyone with information on Hughes' whereabouts is asked to call detectives at 208-4201.

2/10/2010
Times Leader
City police reported the following on Tuesday:

• Trista Sims, of Apollo Circle, reported someone threw a rock through her kitchen window and patio doors.
• Charles Miller Jr., of Front Street, reported a black landscaping trailer was stolen from Front Street.
• Police said Michael Laury, of Pittston, was cited with harassment after he allegedly shoved an ex-girlfriend.
• Police said they cited a 15-year-old male for retail theft after he allegedly stole merchandise from Weis Market.
• Judy Fisher, of South Market Street, reported someone stole the registration plate from her vehicle.
• Police said Marion Wootton, of Hanover Township, was cited for harassment for allegedly punching a woman and pulling her hair.
• Martin Ruminski, of West Noble Street, reported someone stole a pink and white Barbie Huffy bicycle.
• Police charged John Deiter Jr., 40, and Akemi Burch, 43, both of East Spring Street, with simple assault and harassment after a dispute inside their residence on Friday.
Deiter and Burch were arguing about a phone call Deiter received, and assaulted each other, according to the criminal complaints.
Police said in the criminal complaint that Deiter suffered an injury to his eye, and Burch suffered an injury to her face.
Preliminary hearings are tentatively scheduled on Feb. 16 before District Judge Donald Whittaker in Nanticoke.

2/3/2010
Citizens' Voice
City police released information on the following incidents:

Someone broke into the Quoit Club on Railroad Street and stole money from the poker machine, jukebox and two plastic cups. Two bottles of liquor were also taken.
Someone stole three lottery tickets and a SPCA donation canister from Uni-Mart on North Market Street.
George Zelenak of Pine Street reported someone scratched his vehicle.
Leonard Bukofski reported someone smashed the patio windows to a property he owns on Orchard Street and removed two stained glass windows.
Ryan Zendarski of Glen Lyon reported someone egged his vehicle twice while it was parked on Garfield Street.
Alexander Oko of East Church Street told police someone broke into his residence and stole a handgun and a safe, which contained money and paperwork. He also reported someone entered his vehicle and stole his stereo system.
Michelle Knoss of West Noble Street said someone entered her vehicle and took various paperwork.
Tina Thompson of Kosciuszko Street said someone entered her boyfriend's vehicle while it was parked by her home and stole some loose change.
Norman Voyton of West Ridge Street reported someone stole a wrought iron gate from his property.
Donald Robinson of East Ridge Street said someone took a 36-inch Sony television, a video game system and a satellite television converter box.
Vince Bohinski of Honey Pot Street said someone smashed the windshield to his son's pickup truck.
Bernard Rentko, 38, of Union Street, was cited for public drunkenness after he was observed staggering on the 500 block of Prospect Street. He was released to the custody of his wife.
Edward Allison Jr., 37, of State Street, was arrested for public drunkenness and resisting arrest after he was found curled up outside an apartment door with vomit on himself.

2/2/2010
Man charged with stealing keg from American Legion
Citizens' Voice

A Nanticoke man is accused of attempting to steal a keg of beer from an American Legion post by claiming he was hired by one of its employees - who police say never even met him.
Joshua George Hallas, 27, is charged with burglary, criminal trespass and theft by unlawful taking. He also faces similar charges for an unrelated home burglary on Jan. 21.
According to arrest papers, police arrived at American Legion Post 350 on West Broad Street around 5:30 p.m. Saturday. A witness said she saw Hallas in the basement, walking out of the cooler with a beer keg. Hallas claimed he was hired by an employee to clean the basement and move the keg, but police said the employee denied this and didn't even know Hallas.
Hallas is also suspected of stealing two antique mirrors and a vanity desk worth more than $2,000 from a West Noble Street home.
Hallas was arraigned in front of Magisterial District Judge Donald Whittaker and jailed in Luzerne County Correctional Facility in lieu of $20,000 straight cash bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. on both incidents.

2/2/2010
Times Leader
Michael Graboske, 47, pleaded guilty to unlawful sale and possession of stolen firearms before U.S. District Court Senior Judge James M. Munley on Monday in connection with a burglary of a sporting goods store.

Graboske, of Hanover Township, admitted to his role in the early morning burglary at Nimrod Haven Gun Shop, Sans Souci Parkway, Hanover Township, on Aug. 19.
Authorities say Graboske stole 33 handguns and sold two firearms in Nanticoke on Aug. 21, according to arrest records.
Graboske faces up to 10 years in a federal prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on May 3.
A co-conspirator in the case, Raymond Thomas Rittenhouse, 22, of Hanover Township, is tentatively scheduled for a trial in federal court on Feb. 16.
Authorities recovered 29 of the 33 stolen handguns from the pair’s shared residence in the Askam section of Hanover Township.

1/29/2010
Times Leader
Police said Paul John Cimakasky, 56, of Lincoln Avenue, Nanticoke, was charged with simple assault and harassment on Wednesday.

He was released on $5,000 unsecured bail.
According to the criminal complaint: Sandra Cimakasky told police her husband threw a plant that struck her in the leg during a domestic disturbance in their home at about 12:40 a.m. Wednesday.
Cimakasky denied striking his wife. Police said plants and dirt covered two rooms inside the home.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 2 before District Judge Donald Whittaker in Nanticoke.

1/28/2010
Times Leader Police Blotter

A charge of receiving stolen property against Thomas Powell, 24, was dismissed during a preliminary hearing on Tuesday.
Nanticoke police had charged Powell, of Nanticoke, with riding a stolen bicycle on Nov. 29, according to the criminal complaint.

A man accused by police of attempting to burglarize an elderly couple’s home and filing a false report waived his right to a preliminary hearing before District Judge Donald Whittaker on Tuesday.
John Chernowsky, 25, of South Walnut Street, Nanticoke, waived charges of criminal attempt to commit burglary, criminal attempt to commit trespass, false reports to law enforcement and possession of drug paraphernalia to Luzerne County Court.
Police withdrew a charge of criminal mischief against Chernowsky.
Chernowsky allegedly attempted to force open a second floor window to an elderly couple’s home on East Church Street on Nov. 24. He also is accused of fabricating a story that he was the victim of a robbery on Nov. 23 and possessing a syringe on Nov. 30, according to the criminal complaints.

1/27/2010
Citizens' Voice
City police reported the following incidents:

. Susan Ramos reported two antique mirrors and a desk were taken from a home on West Noble Street.
. Scot Martinelli reported someone removed all the wiring from the basement of a West Noble Street home.
. Chester Prymowicz of South Market Street reported someone stole a wrought iron gate from his yard.
. Charles J. Holminski, 23, of West Church Street, was cited for disorderly conduct and public drunkenness after police were called to a domestic disturbance at his residence.
. William Rowland, 54, of 372 E. Church St., is charged with simple assault for kicking a shoe at his wife's face and pushing her son into a wall.
. Kenneth Humphrey, 40, of 382 E. Ridge St., 2nd Floor, is charged with simple assault and harassment for hitting his son while attempting to strike his wife, police said.

1/26/2010
Citizens' Voice
City police reported the following incidents:

. Jennifer Mendoza, of West Church Street, reported someone smashed the driver's side window of her vehicle.
. Andrew Antolik of South Chestnut Street reported someone smashed the rear passenger side window of his van.
. Brianna Engle reported someone cut the driver's side tire of her vehicle.
. Police responded to an alarm at Power Train Services on Railroad Street and discovered that someone pried open the door. Officers and a police K-9 searched the building, but did not locate anyone.

1/12/2010
Times Leader
Police released the following recent reports:

• Robert Prestash, of South Hanover Street, reported a money order was stolen from his vehicle.
• Ian Hazus, of Nanticoke, reported a window was smashed on his vehicle while it was parked at Tommy Boys Bar and Grill.
• David Holminski, of West Church Street, reported a window was smashed at his home.
• Brian Aftewicz, 29, of Nanticoke, was cited for public drunkenness after he was found allegedly intoxicated and carrying a can of beer.
• Thomas Gregorowicz, of Nanticoke, reported an air conditioner and stereo speakers were stolen from his residence.
• Robert Gogola, of Garfield Street, reported tools and construction equipment were stolen from under the porch at his home.
• Darryl Mathis, of West Union Street, reported a window was smashed at his residence.

1/9/2010
Times Leader
Police reported the following recent incidents:

• Jacqueline Perkowski, of Slope Street, reported a CD/DVD player was stolen from her vehicle while it was parked near her residence.
• Richard Wright, 26, of Hunlock Township, was cited with public drunkenness after he called police requesting a ride to his home from a Main Street business.
• Michael Crawn, of Minden Court, reported someone threw eggs at his vehicle while it was parked near his residence.
• Donna Arnold Klotz, of Nanticoke, reported a rear window wiper blade was damaged on her vehicle while it was parked outside the Mill Memorial Library.Z
• Christine Ferris, 35, of Nanticoke, was cited with public drunkenness after police said she was intoxicated on South Prospect Street.
• Michael Bohinski, 29, of Nanticoke, was charged with violating a protection from abuse order after his wife said he harassed her on the telephone.
• Joseph Yencha, of South Hanover Street, reported a metal gardening trestle was damaged.
• Trista Sims, of Nanticoke, reported her purse was stolen by a guest at her residence.
• Michael Engle, 35, of Nanticoke, was cited with harassment after his sister-in-law alleged he left several threatening text messages.
• Kim Littleford, 36, of Nanticoke, was charged with two counts of driving under the influence, and two traffic citations, after she drove to a woman’s house on Park Street, Nanticoke, on Dec. 30. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 9 before District Judge Donald Whittaker in Nanticoke.
• Jodelle Marie Lamoreaux, 40, was cited with retail theft for allegedly stealing razors from Weis Market.

1/1/2010
Times Leader
City police reported the following incidents:

Jane Adamczyk, of East Grand Street, reported Tuesday that someone entered her vehicle and damaged the ignition.
A woman reported on Tuesday that someone broke into her South Walnut Street residence and stole Christmas presents consisting of two cards that play music, two sets of pajamas, the “Terminator Salvation” movie and a dinosaur that walks and talks.
Isabel Haydock, of South Hanover Street, reported Tuesday that someone stole a wrought iron gate from in front of her house.
Michael Whalley reported on Tuesday that someone damaged the solar lights in front of his South Walnut Street house.
Albert Huff, 42, of Nanticoke, was cited with public drunkenness, scattering rubbish and criminal mischief Tuesday after officers were dispatched to a South Prospect Street address on a report of a man kicking a door.
Sharon Holena, of East Church Street, reported someone threw an unopened can of beer through her front porch window.
Mildred Sukadelski, of South Hanover Street, reported Tuesday that someone damaged the windshield and front passenger door window of her vehicle.
A woman reported Tuesday that someone damaged her fence posts.
Two wrought iron gates were stolen Tuesday from in front of St. John’s Orthodox Church, Welles Street.
Michael Thens, of Wilkes-Barre, was cited with retail theft after allegedly taking various food items at Weis Market on Tuesday.

1/1/2010
Times Leader
City police arrested 43-year-old Akemi Burch and charged her with attacking her boyfriend at their residence on Saturday.

Burch, of East Spring Street, was charged with simple assault and harassment, court records show.
She was arraigned and released on recognizance. A preliminary hearing has been tentatively scheduled for Jan. 12.